Kolli and Smyth help QPR to win over Watford

QPR beat Watford 2-1 at Loftus Road to make it three consecutive wins and deal a seemingly fatal blow to the Hornets' already slim chances of reaching the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.

Rayan Kolli and Paul Smyth both scored their third goals in two matches, with the pair having netted twice in Rangers' 6-1 thrashing of Portsmouth prior to the international break.

Kolli put Julien Stephan's side ahead in the 26th minute and Smyth struck shortly after the hour.

Imran Louza pulled a goal back with a superb 85th-minute free-kick, but the visitors were unable to find an equaliser.

Harvey Vale helped set up both Rangers goals, continuing the impressive form that led to his recent Republic of Ireland call-up.

Shortly after finding space on the right and curling a left-footed shot against the far post, Vale crossed from a similar position towards Smyth, who headed back across goal for Kolli to nod QPR into the lead.

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Rangers had been on top - they had a goal disallowed after 45 seconds when Amadou Mbengue challenged Jeremy Petris near the edge of the penalty area and slotted into the net, but he was adjudged to have fouled the left-back.

A good chance for the hosts was squandered when, during a swift counter-attack, Vale over-hit a pass to Smyth, who would have been in on goal, and keeper Egil Selvik was able to gather.

At the other end, goalkeeper Joe Walsh pushed away Luca Kjerrumgaard's left-footed shot, and Watford seemed to be growing into the game before Kolli opened the scoring.

Rangers then almost scored a carbon copy of their goal. Again, the excellent Vale delivered a left-footed cross from the right which was directed back across goal by Smyth, but this time Kolli was denied by Selvik.

QPR were unlucky early in the second half when striker Richard Kone's header from Rhys Norrington-Davies' cross bounced off Smyth and whizzed wide.

But they doubled their lead in the 63rd minute after more good work by Vale, who delivered a low cross into the box and, after Daniel Bennie's effort was blocked, Smyth pounced on the loose ball to score from close range.

Watford struggled to create clear-cut chances but their goal was a superb strike, with Louza's free-kick flying beyond Walsh and into the far corner of the net.

Rangers' win was thoroughly deserved, though, and took them level on points with Watford.

The managers

QPR's Julien Stephan:

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Watford's Ed Still:

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